Modular system

ABSTRACT

A modular system may include a plurality of magnets that may be provided to self-align a casing with an accessory. Self-alignment of the casing and the accessory may provide a secure connection of the casing with the accessory. At least one detent and at least one locking arm may mate and lock the casing against the accessory in a mounted position. The at least one detent and the at least one locking arm may unlock in an insertion position. Self-alignment may occur when a first set of magnets attracts a second set of magnets in which opposite polarities attract and automatically initiate movement of the casing towards the accessory.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/989,559 filed May 25, 2018, entitled “MODULAR SYSTEM,” which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/293,060 filed Oct.13, 2016, entitled “MODULAR LIGHTING SYSTEM,” which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/211,904 filed Jul.15, 2016, entitled “MODULAR LIGHTING SYSTEM,” each incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a modular system. In particular, thedisclosure relates to a modular system including a plurality of magnetsthat self-align and lock components of the modular system.

BACKGROUND

Modular systems are known to provide some degree of versatility and canbe conveniently portable. Modular systems can be utilized in industriesincluding, but not limited to, lighting, manufacturing, military,automotive, construction, oil & gas, home goods, marine, engineering,safety, industrial, medical etc. For example, portable lights are oftenunable to be adjusted and securely attach to a variety of accessoriesusing a single portable light. Particularly because portable lights aretoo robust or too small in size, portable lights may not provide astructure capable of being securely attached to a variety ofaccessories. Generally, portable lighting does not provide the degree ofversatility and performance desired by users, and battery-life or powercycles can be limited, therefore requiring new batteries, repair, and/orreplacement of portable light components.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a modular and amodular system including a plurality of magnets that self-align a podcasing with a pod accessory. At least one detent and at least onelocking arm may mate and lock the pod casing against the pod accessory.It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a higher qualitymodular system and reduce costs associated with modular systems.

A modular system may include a pod casing including a protrusionarranged on an attachment face of the pod casing. At least one detentmay be provided on the protrusion. A pod accessory may include anaperture that may be configured to receive the protrusion. At least onelocking arm may be configured to mate and lock with the at least onedetent. The pod accessory may be removable and interchangeable. At leastone light-emitting diode (LED) may be fully enclosed inside the modularsystem. A first set of magnets may be arranged in the pod casing, and asecond set of magnets may be arranged in the pod accessory. The firstset of magnets may be configured to self-align with the second set ofmagnets and may secure the pod casing against the pod accessory. Themodular system may operate without being attached to the pod accessory.The plurality of magnets may include a first set of magnets that may bearranged in the pod casing and a second set of magnets that may bearranged in the pod accessory. Polarities of the first set of magnetsmay attract opposite polarities of the second set of magnets that maypull and align the pod casing against the pod accessory. A powercoupling may provide electrical contacts or a path for powering themodular system. Connecting the pod accessory to the pod casing mayconvert the modular system to another structure, such as a flashlight, abike light, a lantern, a head lamp, and/or an arm. A first alignmentindicator may be provided on the pod casing, and a second alignmentindicator may be provided on the pod accessory. The first alignmentindicator may align with the second alignment indicator, and mayself-align and secure the pod casing against the pod accessory. A firstuniversal serial bus (USB) port may be provided on a rear cap of the podaccessory to charge an external item. A second USB port may be providedon the rear cap of the pod accessory to receive a charge. Aself-contained battery may be provided inside the pod casing, and theself-contained battery may be rechargeable. The pod casing may beconfigured to detach from the pod accessory.

A modular system may include a pod casing that may provide a protrusionthat may be arranged on an attachment face of the pod casing. At leastone detent may be provided on the protrusion. At least one removable podaccessory may include an aperture that may be configured to receive theprotrusion. Further, the at least one removable pod accessory may beinterchangeable. At least one light-emitting diode (LED) may be fullyenclosed inside the modular system. A plurality of magnets may bearranged in the pod casing and on the at least one removable podaccessory. The plurality of magnets may be configured to self-align withone another and may secure the pod casing against the at least oneremovable pod accessory. The modular system may operate without beingattached to a plurality of pod accessories. The plurality of magnets mayinclude a first set of magnets that may be arranged in the pod casingand a second set of magnets that may be arranged on the at least oneremovable pod accessory. Polarities of the first set of magnets mayattract opposite polarities of the second set of magnets that may pulland align the pod casing against the at least one removable podaccessory. A power coupling may provide electrical contacts or a pathfor powering the modular system. Connecting the at least one removablepod accessory to the pod casing may convert the modular system toanother structure, such as a flashlight, a bike light, a lantern, a headlamp, and/or an arm. A first alignment indicator may be provided on thepod casing, and a second alignment indicator may be provided on the atleast one removable pod accessory. At least one locking arm may beprovided on the at least one removable pod accessory. The firstalignment indicator may align with the second alignment indicator, andmay self-align and secure the pod casing against the at least oneremovable pod accessory. The at least one locking arm may mate and lockwith the at least one detent. A self-contained battery may be providedinside the pod casing, and the self-contained battery may berechargeable. The pod casing may be configured to detach from the atleast one removable pod accessory. The pod casing may detach from the atleast one removable pod accessory in an insertion position. The podcasing may attach and lock against the pod accessory in a mountedposition.

A modular system that may include a pod accessory that may provide abattery. The modular system may include a pod casing that may connect tothe pod accessory. At least one spring contact plate may be configuredto provide an electrical contact for the pod accessory and at least onespring contact plate may be configured to provide an electrical contactfor the pod casing. A power coupling may be provided between the podcasing and the pod accessory. The power coupling may be arranged toprovide a flow of current from the pod accessory to the pod casing. Thebattery may recharge the pod casing. The battery may provide anadditional current to the pod casing, and a performance and run-time ofthe pod casing may be increased. At least one spring contact plate maybe arranged to enable the power coupling and may power the podaccessory.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in theart from the following drawings, descriptions and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a pod accessory including an undercut of a modularsystem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a modular system including astandalone pod casing according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a modular system including astandalone pod casing according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the modular system of FIG. 3A accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is an exploded view of a modular system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the rear body of the modular system ofFIGS. 3A and 3B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3E is a sectional view of a modular system in an insertion positionaccording to embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3F is a sectional view of a modular system in a mounted positionaccording to embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of an accessory component for a modularsystem including an accessory extension according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a view of the accessory component of FIG. 4A in an activeposition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of another accessory component for a modularsystem including a self-contained battery according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of an accessory component for a modularsystem including a self-contained battery according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 5C is a top view of the accessory component of FIG. 5A according toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5D is a front perspective view of the accessory component of FIGS.5A and 5B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an accessory component for a modularsystem including a stand according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the accessory component of FIG. 6Aaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the accessory component of FIGS. 6A and6B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6D is the accessory component of FIGS. 6A-6C including a frictionfit gap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6E is the leg mechanism for the accessory component of FIGS. 6A-6Dincluding a spring, ball bearing, and a ball detent according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of an accessory component for a modularsystem including a band according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the accessory component of FIG. 7Aaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7C is an exploded view of the accessory component of FIGS. 7A and7B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7D is a front view of the accessory component of FIGS. 7A-7Cincluding magnets according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7E is a side perspective view of the accessory component of FIGS.7A-7D including an articulating arm according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a side view of an accessory component for a modular systemincluding a clamping mechanism according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8B is an exploded side view of the accessory component of FIG. 8Aincluding a connection piece according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8C is an exploded perspective view of the accessory component ofFIGS. 8A and 8B including a rear body, magnets, and a pod accessoryaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9A depicts customized polarization of a self-aligning magnetincluding a magnet design according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 9B depicts customized polarization of a self-aligning magnetincluding another magnet design according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure; and

FIG. 9C depicts magnets of a pod accessory and a pod casing in a neutralposition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9D depicts magnets of a pod accessory and a pod casing in anattracting position according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10A depicts an electrical block diagram of a modular systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B depicts an electrical block diagram of an accessory componentof a modular system according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts internal wiring of an accessory component according toan embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 depicts an operational process of a power coupling according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally provides a pod or a modular system thatmay be a single system using a plurality of magnets that may self-aligna pod casing and a pod accessory. The modular system may provide reducecosts associated with utilizing the modular system. For example, themodular system may be applied to lighting applications and may produce ahigher quality light source at a lower cost than conventional lightingsystems. The pod may be a light-emitting diode (LED) light pod in anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts pod accessory 140 including undercut 190 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Pod accessory 140 may providerecessed ring 180 and attachment aperture 150. Recessed ring 180 mayinclude undercut 190 that may provide a recess that may fix pod casing110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) inside of attachmentaperture 150 and/or may prevent pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D,7B, 7E, and 8B) from shifting or moving out of place when secured inattachment aperture 150. Attachment aperture 150 may be shaped toreceive and match with a shape of protrusion 120 (FIG. 2). Attachmentaperture 150 may also provide a secure connection between pod casing 110(FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) and pod accessory 140. Undercut190 may provide an indention that may help self-align pod casing 110(FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) against pod accessory 140. Asecure connection between pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B,7E, and 8B) and pod accessory 140 may be formed and may secure podcasing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) with pod accessory140 when protrusion 120 (FIG. 2) is tightly fit inside of recessed ring180 utilizing undercut 190.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view 200 of a modular system including podcasing 110 having contacts 230 and universal serial bus (USB) port 380according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should beappreciated that modular system 100 (FIGS. 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) mayinclude light pipe 352 that may provide a backlight or illumination,particularly for low-light environments. Contacts 230 may be provided onattachment face 130 and may provide electrical connection points forpower coupling 1100 (FIG. 12). It should be appreciated that contacts230 may not be provided on attachment face 130 in some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. At least one detent 354 (FIGS. 3C, 3E, and 3F)may be provided on protrusion 120 and may lock with locking arms 572(FIGS. 3E, 3F, and 5B) of an accessory. USB port 380 may be provided onattachment face 130 of modular system 100 (FIGS. 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and8B). Pod casing 110 may provide protrusion 120 that may be received byattachment aperture 150 (FIG. 1). It should be appreciated that podcasing 110 may be made of any material including, but not limited to,rubber, plastic, and/or another material. Protrusion 120 may be providedon attachment face 130 of pod casing 110 and may provide a male couplingfor attaching to a pod accessory and/or may be used as a standalone podcasing in embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, protrusion 120may self-align inside of attachment aperture 150 (FIG. 1) and may securea connection of pod casing 110 and pod accessory 140 (FIG. 1).Additionally, protrusion 120 may be secured inside of recessed ring 180(FIG. 1) via a motion including, but not limited to, rotating insiderecessed ring 180, sliding into recessed ring 180, snapping insiderecessed ring 180, or any other means for forming a tight fit betweenprotrusion 120 and recessed ring 180.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view 300A of a modular system 100including pod casing 110 having cover 160 according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Cover 160 may provide a front closure formodular system 100, and pod casing 110 and may be formed of any materialincluding, but not limited to, plastic, fiberglass, frosted,transparent, and/or tinted materials. In some embodiments of the presentdisclosure, modular system 100 may include light pipe 352. Light pipe352 may be provided on an upper portion of pod casing 110. It should beappreciated that light pipe 352 may be provided at other locations ofpod casing 110 without departing from the present disclosure. Buttons,switches, and/or other forms of controls may be provided inside podcasing 110 to control modes of modular system 100. It should beappreciated that the buttons, switches, and/or other forms of controlsmay provide controlling brightness, electrical current, color oflighting, strobe lighting, on/off capability, and other modes of modularsystem 100 in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view 300B of a modular system including podcasing 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In someembodiments of the present disclosure, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 330may be provided on an electrical board and secured inside of a modularsystem or, more specifically, inside of pod casing 110. Pod casing 110may include inner shell 320 that may secure and protect LEDs 330. LEDs330 may be fully enclosed in a modular system or, more specifically,inside of pod casing 110 in embodiments of the present disclosure. Cover160 may provide a front closure for LEDs 330 and may be surrounded byinner shell 320. It should be appreciated that cover 160 may be formedof any material including, but not limited to, plastic, fiberglass,frosted, transparent, and/or tinted materials. It should be appreciatedthat two or three LEDs may be utilized in a modular system in someembodiments of the present disclosure. It should further be appreciatedthat any number of LEDs may be utilized in a modular system withoutdeparting from the present disclosure. It should also be appreciatedthat LEDs may be high-powered, infrared, and/or tri-color red, green,and blue (RGB) LEDs without departing from the present disclosure. Podcasing 110 may be covered with rubber grip 310 that may provide tractionto an exterior of pod casing 110. Electrical board 340 may be fullyenclosed within pod casing 110 and may provide connection points forLEDs 330 and other electrical components. Light pipe 352 may be providedon an upper portion of pod casing 110. It should be appreciated thatlight pipe 352 may be provided at other locations along pod casing 110without departing from the present disclosure.

Pod casing 110 may also include self-contained battery 390 that may berechargeable and may be fully enclosed in a modular system.Self-contained battery 390 may be a rechargeable battery and may providea runtime that may be longer than conventional batteries and/orrechargeable batteries. Self-contained battery 390 may provide anincreased brightness compared to conventional batteries. It should beappreciated that any number of self-contained batteries may be utilizedwithout departing from the present disclosure. It should be appreciatedthat a modular system may have an increased runtime and brightnesscompared to conventional portable lights when utilized for lightingapplications according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Itshould further be appreciated that a modular system may be a standalonepod casing and may not be connected to pod accessories or accessorycomponents in some embodiments of the present disclosure. It should alsobe appreciated that a modular system may include a pod casing and atleast one accessory without departing from the present disclosure. Aplurality of magnets 170 may be provided to attract other magnets andmay be fully secured within pod casing 110. The plurality of magnets 170may connect in which first set of magnets 172 may have polaritiesopposite second set of magnets 174 (FIGS. 9C and 9D). For example, theplurality of magnets 170 may include first set of magnets 172 that mayhave magnets with N, S, N, and S polarities, and second set of magnets174 (FIGS. 9C and 9D) may have magnets with S, N, S, and N polarities.It should be appreciated that the polarities of first set of magnets 172and second set of magnets 174 may be in any order or combination withoutdeparting from the present disclosure. For example, first set of magnets172 that may have magnets with N, N, S, and S polarities, and second setof magnets 174 may have magnets with S, S, N, and N polarities. Rearbody 350 of pod casing 110 may secure components within pod casing 110and may be removable so that one or more pod casing components may bereplaced or repaired.

FIG. 3C is an exploded view 300C of a modular system including podcasing 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In someembodiments of the present disclosure, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 330may be provided on an electrical board and secured inside of a modularsystem or, more specifically, inside of pod casing 110. Pod casing 110may include inner shell 320 that may secure and protect LEDs 330. LEDs330 may be fully enclosed in a modular system or, more specifically,inside of pod casing 110 in embodiments of the present disclosure. Cover160 may provide a front closure for LEDs 330 and may be surrounded byinner shell 320. It should be appreciated that cover 160 may be formedof any material including, but not limited to, plastic, fiberglass,frosted, transparent, and/or tinted materials. It should be appreciatedthat two or three LEDs may be utilized in a modular system in someembodiments of the present disclosure. It should further be appreciatedthat any number of LEDs may be utilized in a modular system withoutdeparting from the present disclosure. It should also be appreciatedthat LEDs may be high-powered, infrared, and/or tri-color red, green,and blue (RGB) LEDs without departing from the present disclosure.

Pod casing 110 may be covered with rubber grip 310 that may providetraction to an exterior of pod casing 110. First electrical board 340and second electrical board 342 may be fully enclosed within pod casing110 and may provide connection points for LEDs 330 and other electricalcomponents. It should be appreciated that utilizing a plurality ofelectrical boards may provide smaller sized boards than utilizing asingle electrical board; however, a single electrical board may beutilized without departing from the present disclosure.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, light pipe 352 may beprovided on an upper portion of pod casing 110. It should be appreciatedthat light pipe 352 may be provided at other locations along pod casing110 without departing from the present disclosure. Rear body 350 of podcasing 110 may secure components within pod casing 110 and may beremovable so that one or more pod casing components may be replaced orrepaired. A plurality of magnets 170 may be provided to attract othermagnets and may be fully secured within pod casing 110. Electricalcontact plates 356 may be provided proximate the plurality of magnets170 and may enable a power coupling of an accessory. Protrusion 120 mayprovide at least one detent 354 that may lock pod casing 110 to anaccessory when the pod casing 110 is rotated against the accessory. Atleast one detent 354 may be provided on protrusion 120 and may lock withlocking arms 572 (FIGS. 3E, 3F, and 5B) of an accessory.

FIG. 3D is a perspective view 300D of rear body 350 of the modularsystem including a standalone pod casing as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3Baccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A modular systemmay automatically self-align pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B,7E, and 8B) and pod accessory 140 (FIG. 5B) utilizing ring 180 (FIG. 1)and a plurality of magnets 170. The plurality of magnets 170 may connectin which first set of magnets 172 may have polarities opposite secondset of magnets 174 (FIGS. 9C and 9D). For example, the plurality ofmagnets 170 may include first set of magnets 172 that may have magnetswith N, S, N, and S polarities, and second set of magnets 174 (FIGS. 9Cand 9D) may have magnets with S, N, S, and N polarities. It should beappreciated that the polarities of first set of magnets 172 and secondset of magnets 174 may be in any order or combination without departingfrom the present disclosure. For example, first set of magnets 172 thatmay have magnets with N, N, S, and S polarities, and second set ofmagnets 174 may have magnets with S, S, N, and N polarities.

FIG. 3E is a sectional view of a modular system in an insertion position300E according to embodiment of the present disclosure. A plurality ofmagnets 170 (FIG. 3C) may be secured in spaces 176 that may be providedin insertion position 300E. Contact plates 356 (FIG. 3C) may be arrangedproximate at least one detent 354 in contact areas 358. Insertionposition 300E may provide at least one detent 354 arranged vertically atopposite sides or at a top and a bottom portion of the modular system.At least one detent 354 may unlock with locking arms 572 in insertionposition 300E.

FIG. 3F is a sectional view of a modular system in a mounted position300F according to embodiment of the present disclosure. A plurality ofmagnets 170 (FIG. 3C) may be secured in spaces 176 that may be providedin mounted position 300F. Contact plates 356 (FIG. 3C) may be arrangedproximate at least one detent 354 (FIGS. 3C and 3E) in contact areas358. Mounted position 300F may provide at least one detent 354 (FIGS. 3Cand 3E) arranged horizontally at opposite sides of the modular system.At least one detent 354 (FIGS. 3C and 3E) may mate and lock with lockingarms 572 in mounted position 300F.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of accessory component 400A including handlebar mount or accessory extension 410 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Accessory component 400A may include pod accessory140 that may provide attachment aperture 150. A plurality of magnets 170may be provided to attract other magnets and may be secured in accessorycomponent 400A between magnet divider 430 and rear coupling body 440.The plurality of magnets 170 may connect in which first set of magnets172 (FIGS. 3B-3C and 9C-9D) may have polarities opposite second set ofmagnets 174. For example, the plurality of magnets 170 may include firstset of magnets 172 (FIGS. 3B-3C and 9C-9D) that may have magnets with N,S, N, and S polarities, and second set of magnets 174 may have magnetswith S, N, S, and N polarities. It should be appreciated that thepolarities of first set of magnets 172 and second set of magnets 174 maybe in any order or combination without departing from the presentdisclosure. For example, first set of magnets 172 that may have magnetswith N, N, S, and S polarities, and second set of magnets 174 may havemagnets with S, S, N, and N polarities. Accessory component 400A mayinclude handle bar mount or accessory extension 410 that may be providedto connect modular system 100 (FIGS. 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) with anobject including, but not limited to, bicycle handle bars. Dove taillock 420 may be provided to connect with or attach to rear coupling body440. Dove tail lock 420 may provide an attachment mechanism forattachment around an object including, but not limited to, handle bars.It should be appreciated that accessory component 400A may provideadditional hardware or fasteners that may retain components withinaccessory component 400A.

FIG. 4B is a view of accessory component 400B for modular system 100(FIGS. 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) in an active position according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Accessory component 400B mayprovide pod accessory 140 that may include attachment aperture 150. Aportion of accessory component 400B may include dove tail lock 420 thatmay provide an attachment mechanism for attachment around an objectincluding, but not limited to, handle bars. An active position ofaccessory component 400B may provide a secure connection to an object inwhich pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) or modularsystem 100 (FIGS. 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) may be secured to podaccessory 140.

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of accessory component 500A includingself-contained battery 510, rear cap 520, gripping mechanism 530, handle532, and USB port 540 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. An arrangement of handle 532 relative to pod casing 110(FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) may provide power coupling 550(FIG. 5B). Power coupling 550 may provide a connection that may enableself-contained battery 510 to recharge, thus, recharging pod casing 110(FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B). Handle 532 may connect to podaccessory 140 and may provide a structure for converting accessorycomponent 500A to a flashlight or another structure. Gripping mechanism530 may provide traction for an exterior of handle 532. It should beappreciated that gripping mechanism 530 may be a rubber cover or asimilar type of material that may provide traction. Pod accessory 140may provide attachment aperture 150 that may receive pod casing 110(FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) that may self-contain a lightsource or LEDs in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Handle 532may fully enclose a plurality of magnets 170 (FIGS. 3B-4A, 5A, 7C-7D,8C, and 9C-9D), and the plurality of magnets 170 may allow accessorycomponent 500A to automatically self-align with a modular system.Magnetic divider 570 may secure the plurality of magnets 170 insidehandle 532. The plurality of magnets 170 may connect in which first setof magnets 172 (FIGS. 3B-3C and 9C-9D) may have polarities oppositesecond set of magnets 174. For example, the plurality of magnets 170 mayinclude first set of magnets 172 (FIGS. 3B-3C and 9C-9D) that may havemagnets with N, S, N, and S polarities, and second set of magnets 174may have magnets with S, N, S, and N polarities. It should beappreciated that the polarities of first set of magnets 172 and secondset of magnets 174 may be in any order or combination without departingfrom the present disclosure. For example, first set of magnets 172 thatmay have magnets with N, N, S, and S polarities, and second set ofmagnets 174 may have magnets with S, S, N, and N polarities. Circuitboard 580 may secure self-contained battery 510 inside handle 532 andmay provide electrical connection points for electrical equipment. Rearcap 520 may secure components within handle 532 and may be removable sothat components inside handle 532 may be replaced or repaired.

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of accessory component 500B includingself-contained battery 510, rear cap 520, gripping mechanism 530, handle532, spring contact plates 574, locking arms 572, first USB port 540,and second USB port 590 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. An arrangement of handle 532 relative to pod casing 110(FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) may provide power coupling 550(FIG. 5B). Power coupling 550 may provide a connection that may enableself-contained battery 510 to recharge, thus, recharging pod casing 110(FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B). Gripping mechanism 530 mayprovide traction for an exterior of handle 532. It should be appreciatedthat gripping mechanism 530 may be a rubber cover or a similar type ofmaterial that may provide traction.

As shown in FIG. 5B, spring contact plates 574 may be configured toprovide an electrical contact for accessory component 500B according toan embodiment of the present disclosure. Attachment aperture 150 mayreceive pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) that mayself-contain a light source or LEDs in some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Handle 532 may fully enclose a plurality of magnets 170(FIGS. 3B-4A, 5A, 7C-7D, 8C, and 9C-9D), and the plurality of magnets170 may allow accessory component 500B to automatically self-align witha modular system. Magnetic divider 570 may secure the plurality ofmagnets 170 inside handle 532. Circuit board 580 may secureself-contained battery 510 inside handle 532 and may provide electricalconnection points for electrical equipment. Rear cap 520 may securecomponents within handle 532 and may be removable so that componentsinside handle 532 may be replaced or repaired.

First USB port 540 may be provided on rear cap 520 and may provide apower input that may charge battery 510 and may provide powersupplementation to battery 510. First USB port 540 may provide a 5-voltport for charging exterior items. Second USB port 590 may be provided onrear cap 520 and may provide a micro-port for receiving a charge. Itshould be appreciated that there may be embodiments where more or fewerUSB ports may be provided. It also should be appreciated that the typesof USB ports may change without departing from the present disclosure.

FIG. 5C is a top view of accessory component 500C of FIG. 5A includingpower coupling 550 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.Accessory component 500C may provide power coupling 550 in which a smallgap may be provided to reduce friction between pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2,3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) and pod accessory 140. Light pipe 352 maybe provided on an upper portion of pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B,6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B). It should be appreciated that in embodimentsincluding a light pipe, light pipe 352 may be provided at otherlocations along pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B)without departing from the present disclosure. Pod accessory 140 and podcasing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) may providealignment indicators 142 that may guide a user in orienting pod casing110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) relative to pod accessory140. Alignment indicators 142 may be provided on pod casing 110 (FIGS.2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) and/or pod accessory 140 and may beutilized to properly align protrusion 120 (FIG. 2) inside of attachmentaperture 150 (FIG. 1) and recessed ring 180 (FIG. 1). It should beappreciated that alignment indicators 142 may be color indicators;shaped in different configurations or shapes including, but not limitedto, circles, triangles, diamonds, lines, and rectangles; depressions inmodular system 100; and/or protrusions from modular system 100 withoutdeparting from the present disclosure. It should also be appreciatedthat alignment indicators 142 may not be utilized on modular system 100in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

A secure connection may be formed when pod casing 110 is secured againstpod accessory 140 and may secure pod casing 110 with pod accessory 140when protrusion 120 (FIG. 2) is fit inside of recessed ring 180 (FIG.1). Pod casing 110 may become detached from pod accessory 140 byrotating protrusion 120 (FIG. 2) and pod casing 110 out of recessed ring180 (FIG. 1), pulling protrusion 120 and pod casing 110 away fromrecessed ring 180, and/or another means for detaching protrusion 120 andpod casing 110 from pod accessory 140. The motion of rotating, pullingand/or another means for detaching protrusion 120 and pod casing 110from pod accessory 140 may detach or release pod casing 110 from podaccessory 140.

FIG. 5D is a front perspective view of accessory component 500D formodular system 100 (FIGS. 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. Accessory component 500D mayprovide connector pins 560 that may be included in power coupling 550(FIG. 5B) to attach pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and8B) to pod accessory 140. It should be appreciated that any number ofconnector pins may be utilized without departing from the presentdisclosure. Attachment aperture 150 may provide a secure connectionbetween pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B) and podaccessory 140. Gripping mechanism 530 may provide traction for handle532. It should be appreciated that gripping mechanism 530 may be arubber cover or another similar type of material that may providetraction.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict accessory components 600A, 600B including basebody 640 (FIG. 6B) and stand 610 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Illuminating cover 620 may connect to base body 640(FIG. 6B) and may provide a structure for converting accessorycomponents 600A, 600B to a lantern, lamp, or another structure. Itshould be appreciated that illuminating cover 620 may provide astructure for converting accessory components 600A, 600B to structuresfor non-lighting applications in some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Stand 610 may provide two legs that may rotate to formaccessory component 600A in which a pendant mode may be formed. Stand610 may provide two legs that may rotate to form accessory component600B in which a tabletop mode may be formed. It should be appreciatedthat any number of legs may be utilized without departing from thepresent disclosure. It should further be appreciated that stand 610 mayprovide rubber gripping members or gripping members made of another typeof material on portions of stand 610 or legs that may contact a surface.Illuminating cover 620 may connect to pod accessory 140 (FIG. 6A) bysnapping or sliding onto base body 640 in some embodiments of thepresent disclosure. When illuminating cover 620 is utilized, it mayfully enclose a plurality of magnets 170 (3B-4A, 5A, 7C-7D, 8C, and9C-9D), and the plurality of magnets 170 (FIGS. 3B-4A, 5A, 7C-7D, 8C,and 9C-9D) may allow accessory components 600A, 600B to automaticallyself-align with a modular system. It should further be appreciated thatilluminating cover 620 may be frosted, transparent, tinted, or provideany type of color and/or texture without departing from the presentdisclosure. Closure or lid 630 (FIG. 6C) may secure components withinilluminating cover 620 and may be removable so that components insideilluminating cover 620 may be replaced or repaired.

FIG. 6C is an exploded view of accessory component 600C includingreflector 632 and inner base 650 according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. Illuminating cover 620 may slide onto base body 640in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Inner base 650 mayprovide a diameter that may be less than a diameter of base body 640,and as such, base body 640 may slide over inner base 650. It should beappreciated that a connection of base body 640 and inner base 650 mayprovide an open space to form a coupling for pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2,3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E, and 8B). Stand 610 may provide two legs that mayrotate to form accessory component 600C.

FIG. 6D depicts accessory component 600D for modular system 100including friction fit gap 642 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Friction fit gap 642 may provide a space that may receivepod casing 110 of modular system 100. Friction fit gap 642 may be sizedto provide a tight connection between pod casing 110 and base body 640.Stand 610 may provide two legs that may rotate to form accessorycomponent 600D. Illuminating cover 620 may slide onto and securely restagainst base body 640.

FIG. 6E depicts accessory component leg mechanism 600E for a modularsystem including spring 660, ball bearing 670, and ball detent 680according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Ball detent 680may be two-sided to provide two locking positions for stand 610. Itshould be appreciated that a first locking position may be for one legand a second locking position may be for a second leg of stand 610. Anarrangement of spring 660, ball bearing 670, and ball detent 680 mayprovide simple movement of stand 610 about apertures of base body 640(FIGS. 6A-6D).

FIGS. 7A-7B depict accessory components 700A, 700B including band 710according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Band 710 mayconnect to pod accessory 140 opposite lens 160 (FIG. 7B) and may providea structure for converting accessory components 700A, 700B to aheadlamp, belt, or another structure. It should be appreciated that band710 may provide a structure for converting accessory components 700A,700B to structures for non-lighting applications in some embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Pod casing 110 (FIGS. 2, 3A-3B, 5B, 6D, 7B, 7E,and 8B) may attach to pod accessory 140, and modular system 100 (FIG.7B) may be operational on band 710. It should be appreciated that aplurality of magnets 170 (FIGS. 3B-4A, 5A, 7C-7D, 8C, and 9C-9D) may beprovided inside of band 710 or in a component that may be connected toband 710. It should further be appreciated that the plurality of magnets170 (FIGS. 3B-4A, 5A, 7C-7D, 8C, and 9C-9D) may allow accessorycomponents 700A, 700B to automatically self-align with a modular system.For example, the plurality of magnets 170 may be secured to accessorycomponents 700A, 700B proximate head strap fixture 740 when utilized forlighting applications in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C is an exploded view of accessory component 700C for a modularsystem according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Accessorycomponent 700C may provide pod accessory 140 that may provide attachmentaperture 150. A plurality of magnets 170 may be provided to attractother magnets and may be secured in accessory component 700C betweenmagnet divider 720 and coupling body 730. The plurality of magnets 170may connect in which first set of magnets 172 (FIGS. 3B-3C and 9C-9D)may have polarities opposite second set of magnets 174. For example, theplurality of magnets 170 may include first set of magnets 172 (FIGS.3B-3C and 9C-9D) that may have magnets with N, S, N, and S polarities,and second set of magnets 174 may have magnets with S, N, S, and Npolarities. It should be appreciated that the polarities of first set ofmagnets 172 and second set of magnets 174 may be in any order orcombination without departing from the present disclosure. For example,first set of magnets 172 that may have magnets with N, N, S, and Spolarities, and second set of magnets 174 may have magnets with S, S, N,and N polarities. A plurality of magnets 170 may also be securedproximate head strap fixture 740 in embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Accessory component 700C may include flexible latch 750 thatmay provide an attachment to band 710 (FIGS. 7A and 7B).

FIG. 7D is a front view of accessory component 700D including aplurality of magnets 170 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Accessory component 700D may provide head strap fixture 740that may include apertures arranged to attach band 710 (FIGS. 7A and 7B)to accessory component 700D in some embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It should be appreciated that head strap fixture 740 may beattached to other items without departing from the present disclosure.

FIG. 7E is a side perspective view of accessory component 700E includingarticulating arm 760 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Accessory component 700E may provide pod casing 110 and podaccessory 140 of modular system 100 that may be secured to articulatingarm 760 that may include a plurality of teeth 770 to lock articulatingarm 760. It should be appreciated that magnets 170 (FIG. 7D) may providea mechanism for holding modular system 100 in a stable position whenconnected to an object, such as, band 710 (FIGS. 7A and 7B). It shouldfurther be appreciated that accessory component 700E may snap itself inplace on an object when articulating arm 760 is fully closed.

FIG. 8A depicts side view of arm 800A including threaded arm 810 andclamp 820 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Threadedarm 810 may provide clamp 820 at a first end, and pod accessory 140 andrear body 830 at a second end opposite the first end. It should beappreciated that threaded arm 810 may be a flexible, gooseneck arm ofany length without departing from the present disclosure. It should beappreciated that arm 800A may have different lengths and may provideproperties including, but not limited to, extensible, bendable, andarticulating. It should be appreciated that clamp 820 may be in form ofa clamp including, but not limited to, a needle-nose clamp, a railclamp, and a spring clamp.

FIG. 8B depicts exploded side view 800B of arm 810 of FIG. 8A includingpod casing 110 and pod accessory 140 of modular system 100 and rear body830 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Connectionpiece 840 may provide threads configured to attach and detach threadedarm 810 to and from pod casing 110 and rear body 830.

FIG. 8C depicts exploded perspective view 800C of rear body 830including pod accessory 140, magnet divider 850, and a plurality ofmagnets 170 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Aplurality of magnets 170 may be provided to attract other magnets andmay be secured in accessory component 800C between magnet divider 850and rear body 830.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict single magnets 900A, 900B, respectively,including magnet designs 910, 920, respectively, in which customizedpolarization of single magnets 900A and 900B may change shape accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated thatthe polarity within single magnets 900A and 900B may each have twopoles. It should be appreciated that a plurality of magnets 170 (FIGS.2, 4) may be self-aligning magnets 900A, 900B than may include magnetdesigns, 910, 920, and/or any other designs. It should further beappreciated that the plurality of magnets 170 may not include a designwithout departing from the present disclosure. It should also beappreciated that magnet designs 910, 920 may be a Polymagnet® designthat may provide precision alignment in an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9C depicts a configuration 900C of magnets 170 in a neutral or anopen position in which magnets may not attract to one another accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9D depicts aconfiguration 900D of magnets 170 in an attracted or a closed positionin which magnets may be attracted to one another according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that theplurality of magnets 170 may be located at a plurality of locationswithin a pod casing and/or a pod accessory. The selection of the numberof magnets 170 may depend, at least, on the anticipated forces requiredto keep a pod casing secured to a pod accessory when external forces aresustained by the modular system (i.e. when the modular system falls ontoa hard surface). It should be appreciated that modularity of the systemto attach to different accessories and a power coupling.

between the modular system may improve runtime without making anyaccessory itself larger than conventional devices. It should also beappreciated that in lighting applications the modularity of the systemmay improve brightness levels without making any accessory itself largerthan conventional devices. It should further be appreciated that amechanical attachment of the modular system to an accessory may beaccomplished by utilizing magnets. It should be appreciated that magnetsmay provide manipulation of poles or polarity and may provide a strongand self-aligning connection to components including other magnets. Itshould further be appreciated that the modular system may connect withan arm, clamp, or any other accessory that may extend the reach ofmodular system 100 without departing from the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A depicts electrical block diagram 1000A of a modular systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. USB connector 1may provide a power input that may charge at least one battery 6 and mayprovide power supplementation to at least one battery 6. It should beappreciated that USB connection 1 may be accessible when the modularsystem is not attached to an accessory. Power coupling 2 may providepower input from an accessory. Power coupling voltage conditioner 3 maycreate a reduced voltage compared to the voltage produced by powercoupling 2 and may enable microcontroller unit (MCU) 10 to monitor thevoltage. Battery charger or power manager 4 may control charging of atleast one battery 6 and may control the maximum current that may bedrawn from USB connector 1 and/or power coupling 2. Battery charger orpower manager 4 may provide output power 4 a to the modular system, suchas a modular light system. Power coupling switch 5 may control whetheror not power coupling 2 may be connected to an input of battery charger4. Power coupling switch 5 may prevent voltages from being present onpower coupling 2 if USB connector 1 is in-use. At least one battery 6may be a lithium-ion battery pack that may include a protection circuit.Battery voltage conditioner 7 may create a reduced voltage compared tothe voltage produced by at least one battery 6 and may enable MCU 10 tomonitor the voltage. Logic power regulator 8 may provide stable logicvoltage for MCU 10 and related functions and may enable MCU to monitorthe voltage. Logic power regulator 8 may receive system power 4 a.Buttons 9 may provide user-control capabilities for the modular system.MCU 10 may monitor and control the functions and features of modularsystem including, but not limited to, voltage and brightness. In someembodiments of the present disclosure, battery status LEDs 11 mayprovide user-facing LEDs that may communicate upon user request aremaining battery capacity and a status during charging. Battery statusLEDs 11 may receive system power 4 a. LED driver 12 may provide ahigh-powered driver for white LED 15 that may be monitored andcontrolled by MCU 10 and may receive system power 4 a. LED driver 13 mayprovide a multi-channel power driver for red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDmodule 16 that may provide lower power than LED driver 12. Boostconverter 14 may generate a stable voltage that may be sufficiently highand may drive RGB LED module 16. Boost converter 14 may receive systempower 4 a.

FIG. 10B depicts electrical block diagram 1000B of an accessoryaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. USB connector 10may provide a power input that may charge at least one battery 30 andmay provide power supplementation to at least one battery 30. Batterycharger or power manager 20 may control charging of battery 30 and maycontrol the maximum current that may be drawn from USB connector 10.Battery charger or power manager 20 may provide output power 40 a tomodular system. At least one battery 30 may be a lithium-ion batterypack that may include a protection circuit. Battery voltage conditioner40 may create a reduced voltage compared to the voltage produced by atleast one battery 30 and may enable MCU 60 to monitor the voltage. Logicpower regulator 50 may provide stable logic voltage for MCU 60 andrelated functions and may enable MCU 60 to monitor the voltage. Logicpower regulator 50 may receive system power 20 a. MCU 60 may monitor andcontrol the functions and features of a modular system including, butnot limited to, voltage and brightness. Boost converter 70 may generatea stable voltage that may be sufficiently high and may receive systempower 20 a. It should be appreciated that boost converter 70 may providea voltage that may be similar to a voltage of a standard USB VBUSvoltage. Power coupling switch 80 may control whether or not powercoupling 92 may be connected to boost converter 70 that may be under thecontrol of MCU 60. Power coupling switch 80 may receive system power 20a. Power coupling voltage conditioner 90 may create a reduced voltagecompared to the voltage produced by MCU 60 and may enable MCU 60 tomonitor the voltage. Power coupling 92 may provide power output to themodular system.

FIG. 11 depicts internal wiring of an accessory including power coupling1100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A loadresistance across contacts 210 of power coupling 1100 may connect to anddisconnect from accessories. Contacts 210 may be utilized to requestthat power be supplied to accessories. Power may be supplied toaccessories via circuitry 1150. Circuit board 580 may secureself-contained battery 510 inside an accessory and may provideelectrical connection points for electrical equipment. Battery 510 mayre-charge a pod casing and may provide additional current to a podaccessory that may increase performance and runtime. It should beappreciated that an increase in performance may include, but is notlimited to, brightness, glare, intensity, and/or light output. USB port540 may provide a power input that may charge battery 510 and mayprovide power supplementation to battery 510. It should be appreciatedthat an accessory component may be charged by an external power sourceand may not be charged by a pod casing. For example, a flashlight handlemay be an accessory component that may be charged by an external powersource that may be connected to the flashlight handle by a USB. Itshould be appreciated that the accessory component may not be charged bya pod casing, as electrical current may not flow from the pod casing toan accessory component in embodiments of the present disclosure. Inother words, it should be appreciated that the power supply orelectrical current may flow from a first component to a second componentor vice versa.

It should be appreciated that the power coupling may provide a path foran accessory to provide power to a modular system. It should further beappreciated that an accessory may provide a full voltage and current tothe modular system when attached to the power coupling that may operateand/or recharge batteries. It should also be appreciated that a powercoupling may prevent a battery of an accessory from quickly losing powerand may prevent damage to the modular system that may result from ashort in an external object occurring across contacts of the powercoupling. It should be appreciated that the power coupling may providethe advantage of maximizing accessory battery life by running a boostconverter when needed. It should be appreciated that a boost convertermay utilize a small amount of power even if it is not providing power.

FIG. 12 depicts operational process 1200 of a power coupling accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure. A power coupling that mayoperate in three different states that may include sensing state 1210,power state 1220, and protective state 1230. Sensing state 1210 mayprovide a boost converter that may be turned off and an accessorybattery voltage that may be provided to a power coupling via a seriesresistor. The power state may provide a boost converter that may enableand a series resistance of the sensing state that may be removed fromthe circuit. Protective state 1220 may provide a boost converter thatmay be turned off, and a power coupling that may be disconnected fromthe remaining circuits of the accessory. Operational process 1200 of apower coupling of a modular system may have a load resistance across thepower coupling contacts that may connect and disconnect to accessories.Contacts may be utilized to request that power be supplied toaccessories.

In sensing state 1210, the accessory may recognize the presence of arequest resistance as a voltage within a specified range. It should beappreciated that a voltage divider may be formed by series resistance ofthe accessory and may request resistance of the modular system that mayresult in the request resistance being considered as a voltage. Itshould be appreciated that an MCU may be capable of sensing that theaccessory is connected to the modular system and may be in sensing state1210 or in power state 1220.

It should further be appreciated that the modular system may sense astate of charge of battery pack and may sense whether or not an LED isturned on. The modular system may utilize the state of charge andwhether or not the LED is turned on to determine whether or not powershould be requested from an accessory and may enable power to be fedthrough circuitry. It should be appreciated that feeding power throughcircuitry may enable the modular system to prevent damage from anout-of-specification voltage that may be provided at power coupling. Itshould further be appreciated that MCU may be in an accessory and may becapable of sensing voltage of power coupling. It should also beappreciated that an accessory may be aware of a state of charge ofbattery pack that may be used to determine a state in which modularsystem may be provided.

FIG. 12 depicts operational process 1200 of a power coupling that may beprovided in sensing state 1210 and may remain in sensing state 1210until voltage properties are checked by the user 1240 before continuingto power state 1220 according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. It should be appreciated that voltage properties mayinclude, but are not limited to, change in voltage over time. It shouldfurther be appreciated that voltage may change when the modular systemmay request power. Power coupling may move to protective state 1230 whenvoltage does not decrease too low. It should be appreciated that voltagemay be too low when the voltage is approximately zero.

A power coupling may be provided in protective state 1230 and may beable to draw a full current. A power coupling may return 1260 to sensingstate 1210 after electrical properties are checked 1250. It should beappreciated that electrical properties may include, but are not limitedto, current, voltage, and battery-life. The power coupling may beprovided in protective state 1230 and may periodically return 1260 tosensing state 1210 to verify whether an undesirable condition is nolonger present including, but not limited to, change in electricalproperties.

It should be appreciated that an embodiment of the present disclosuremay dramatically improve the brightness and runtime of portable devices.It should also be appreciated that modular systems may improve otherproperties when utilized in a number of industries including, but notlimited to, construction, automotive, marine, military, emergencypreparedness, safety, contracting, residential, outdoors, mining,tourism, maintenance, guiding, pet and animal industries, hunting, andfishing. It should further be appreciated that the device may beutilized with industry equipment including, but not limited to,automotive repair and emergency kits, home inspections, generalcontracting, pet and animal equipment, and architecture. It should beappreciated that the device may be utilized with items that may be foundin a home including, but not limited to, a grill mount, photographyequipment, a lawn mower mount, a stake mount, a night light and/or aplug of a light mount, a suction cup mount, a magnetic mount, a strapmount, an adjustable joint arm, a tow hitch mount, and a wall plug in amount. It should be appreciated that the device may be utilized withitems that may be in-motion including, but not limited to, a bike helmetmount, a drilled-plate mount, a clip or clamp mount, a clip or clampmount that does not include an arm, a buoyant mount, a survival kitmount, a tree strap mount, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) attachment, akayak mount, and a boat rail mount.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used in this patent document. The terms “include” and“comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion withoutlimitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases“associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivativesthereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with,contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, becommunicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximateto, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generallyassociated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodimentsand methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the above description of example embodiments does not define orconstrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular lighting system, comprising: a lightcasing including a protrusion arranged on an attachment face of thelight casing; at least one detent provided on the protrusion; anaccessory including an aperture configured to receive the protrusion,wherein the accessory is removable and interchangeable with one or moredifferent accessories to convert the modular lighting system from aflashlight to another structure selected from the following: a bikelight, a lantern, a head lamp, and an arm; at least one light-emittingdiode (LED) enclosed inside the modular lighting system, wherein thelight casing is operable without being connected to the accessory; andat least one first attachment mechanism arranged in the light casing andat least one second attachment mechanism arranged in the accessory, theat least one first attachment mechanism configured to align with the atleast one second attachment mechanism and secure the light casingagainst the accessory, wherein the modular lighting system operateswithout being attached to the accessory.
 2. The modular lighting systemof claim 1, wherein the at least one first attachment mechanism is atleast one first magnet, and wherein the at least one second attachmentmechanism is at least one second magnet.
 3. The modular lighting systemof claim 1, wherein the light casing is attachable and detachable fromthe accessory.
 4. The modular lighting system of claim 1, furthercomprising: at least one button provided in the light casing to controlbrightness, intensity, light color, strobe lighting, and additionalmodes of the modular lighting system.